»Introduction to Internships

• Work within an organization (for-profit, nonprofit, or government agency) for a specified period.
  • Most internships typically last for one semester, but they can sometimes extend to a full academic year.
• Can earn academic credit towards your college degree (often while getting paid, if you land a paid internship).
• Learn from and work with accomplished industry professionals or mentors.

A few majors at Chapman require you to get an internship, but most will support you in getting one regardless.

Why are internships important?

Internships offer invaluable opportunities to gain practical, real-world experience in a chosen field. They also allow you to:

• Develop and practice skills:Develop and refine essential skills in your desired profession, like communication or problem-solving.
• Network:Make important connections that will lead you to your future career.
• Build your resume: The more experience you have on your resume, the more competitive you will be in the job market upon graduation.
• Explore different career paths: Internships allow you to dip your toes in different career paths so you can make informed decisions for your future job search.
• Grow personally: Internships are meant to challenge you so that you become more independent while building confidence in your abilities.

And because they let you learn more about a career path network in your industry, it’s not unusual for an internship to lead to a job offer! Below are some recent stats from our Class of 2024 (with a 60% response rate) and students nationwide:

Where to find internships

Because Chapman is in the heart of Southern California, students can pursue internship opportunities in a variety of fields in Orange County and Los Angeles (and sometimes even abroad).

Additionally, the Career and Professional Development Office and your school/college’s faculty can help you get an internship in any number of fields, including:  

• Film and media arts.
• Business.
• Science and technology.
• Communications.
• Health and medical sciences.

International internships

Chapman’s Center for Global Education also offers opportunities to get an internship abroad, all while earning academic credit to fulfill your major’s requirements.

The two options you have are:

• Joining a Semester-Abroad Program that includes an internship.
• Doing an International Internship over the summer. Summer internships are generally two months long.

For both options above, cost and tuition assistance may be available, including funding options for Pell Grant recipients and first-generation students.

Ask a student

Still have questions about internships or Chapman in general? Our student ambassadors are here to help. Feel free to reach out!